When you’re dealing with a serious illness, the primary focus is on survival and getting through each day. The last thing you need is the added stress and emotional toll of hair loss. With the help of Tymeless Necessity Hair – a proud partner of The Cancer Association of South Africa – you can regain your sense of normalcy and confidence.
Understanding Medically-Induced Hair Loss
Medically-induced hair loss, also known as drug-induced alopecia, occurs as a side effect of certain medications or medical treatments.
According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, around 160 million people worldwide will experience some form of alopecia areata in their lifetime, and a significant portion of hair loss cases are related to medical treatments.
Here are 12 common causes of medically-induced hair loss:
- Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy: These treatments target rapidly dividing cancer cells but also affect hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
- Prescription Medications: Drugs like anticoagulants, antidepressants, antihypertensives, anticonvulsants, hormonal medications, and retinoids can cause hair loss.
- Hormone Therapy: Treatments for conditions like prostate cancer or endometriosis often involve hormone therapies that can lead to hair thinning or loss.
- Thyroid Medications: Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism medications can disrupt the hair growth cycle, causing hair loss.
- Immunosuppressants: Drugs used to prevent organ transplant rejection or to treat autoimmune diseases can lead to hair thinning or baldness.
- Blood Pressure Medications: Certain antihypertensive drugs, particularly beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors, are known to cause hair loss.
- Antifungal Medications: Some drugs used to treat fungal infections can have side effects that include hair loss.
- Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can contribute to hair loss.
- Cholesterol-lowering Drugs: Statins and other cholesterol-lowering medications can occasionally lead to hair thinning.
- Chemotherapy for Non-Cancer Conditions: Chemotherapy is not only used for cancer but also for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, where it can similarly cause hair loss.
- Weight Loss Medications: Some drugs intended for weight management can impact hair health, leading to shedding or thinning.
- Psychiatric Medications: Some antipsychotics and mood stabilisers used to treat psychiatric disorders can cause hair loss as a side effect.
Recognising the Signs
Medically-induced hair loss can manifest in different ways, depending on the medication or treatment involved:
- Diffuse Thinning: Hair becomes thinner across the entire scalp.
- Patchy Hair Loss: Bald patches may develop in certain areas.
- Complete Hair Loss: In cases like chemotherapy or high-dose radiation, complete hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body can occur.
- Hair Breakage: Hair may become brittle and break easily, leading to uneven length and frizz.
- Thinning of Eyebrows and Eyelashes: Some treatments can also cause thinning or loss of eyebrows and eyelashes.
- Scalp Sensitivity: The scalp may become more sensitive, leading to discomfort or pain, especially when brushing or washing the hair.
- Changes in Hair Texture: Hair can become dry, coarse, or curly, differing significantly from its previous texture.
- Gradual Shedding: Hair may fall out gradually over time, rather than all at once.
- Hair Loss on Other Body Parts: Besides the scalp, hair loss can occur on other parts of the body, including arms, legs, and pubic area.
- Delayed Hair Regrowth: After stopping the medication or treatment, hair regrowth can be slow and inconsistent.
- Localised Pain or Itching: There may be localised pain or itching on the scalp before or during hair loss.
How a Wig Can Help
Wearing a wig can provide numerous practical, emotional, and aesthetic benefits for individuals dealing with medically-induced hair loss. Here’s why someone might opt for a wig:
- Boosting Self-Confidence: Hair loss can significantly impact a person’s self-esteem and body image. Wearing a wig helps restore their natural appearance, boosting confidence and making them feel more like themselves.
- Maintaining Privacy: A wig offers a discreet way to manage hair loss, allowing individuals to avoid questions or comments about their medical condition.
- Convenience and Practicality: Wigs provide an immediate way to cover bald spots or thinning areas without the need for ongoing treatments or interventions.
- Enhancing Aesthetics: Wigs come in various styles, colours, and lengths, allowing individuals to maintain their preferred hairstyle.
- Protection and Comfort: A wig can protect the scalp from environmental elements like sun exposure and cold weather, which can be essential for sensitive or irritated skin due to medical treatments.
- Emotional Well-Being: Wearing a wig helps individuals feel more normal and less like a patient, contributing to better emotional health.
- Social and Professional Interactions: A wig can make social and professional interactions more comfortable, allowing individuals to engage freely without feeling self-conscious.
- Temporary Solution: For those undergoing treatments like chemotherapy, hair loss is often temporary. A wig provides an effective solution until natural hair regrows.
Choosing the Right Wig for Your Unique Needs
Wigs are not created equally. Many wigs purchased from bulk suppliers are poorly made, often using low-quality materials and construction techniques. These wigs can be uncomfortable, unrealistic in appearance, and may not last long under regular use. They often lack the natural look and feel that individuals with medically-induced hair loss seek.
High-quality wigs by Tymeless Necessity Hair, on the other hand, are crafted with meticulous attention to detail. We use superior materials, 100% real human hair and offer features like breathable caps and adjustable straps to ensure a secure fit. Our wigs also have more realistic hairlines and natural-looking scalp appearances, thanks to advanced construction methods like monofilament and hand-tied caps.
Here are a few things to look for when choosing a wig for medically-induced hair loss:
Comfort and Sensitivity
Look for wigs with soft, breathable caps that minimise irritation, especially if you have a sensitive scalp.
Secure Fit
Wigs with adjustable straps, silicone grips, and lace fronts can provide a snug and secure fit, ensuring the wig stays in place during daily activities.
Types of Wigs
Cranial Wigs
If you’re undergoing chemotherapy treatments, you may already know that hair loss is one of the cancer related side effects. Depending on the type of chemotherapy, the hair on your body and head will fall out.
Other treatments like radiation can also cause hair loss on the part of the body that is being treated. This type of hair loss is known as alopecia. But your health care team will be able to tell you if the cancer treatment you’ll be taking will cause hair loss.
With 100% human hair, the wig will last longer, as well as look more natural. In fact, we can match the texture and colour of your own hair! Regardless which hair type you choose, a cranial prosthesis is a wig made specifically for patients with medical conditions. These medical conditions include, cancer, trichotillomania, alopecia totalis, alopecia areata, or other medical conditions that results in hair loss.
Monofilament Wigs
Ideal for those with sensitive scalps, these wigs mimic the natural scalp and allow for natural movement and parting versatility.
Hand-Tied Wigs
Offering a high level of comfort and a natural look, each hair strand is individually tied to the base.
Human Hair Wigs
Human hair wigs offer the most natural look and feel but require more upkeep.
Remember, personalised recommendations from a wig specialist can be beneficial. At Tymeless Necessity Hair, we provide custom wigs tailored to your natural hair colour, texture, and style preferences to ensure the most natural and personalised look. We also offer alternatives to full wigs, such as half wigs or hair toppers.
Emotional Support and Resources
Hair loss due to medical conditions can be emotionally taxing. Seeking support from friends, family, or support groups can provide comfort and encouragement. Many organisations and online communities offer resources and support for those experiencing medical hair loss. Some insurance plans may cover part or all of the cost of a medical wig, so it’s worth checking with your provider.
Conclusion
Choosing a wig while dealing with medically induced hair loss involves unique considerations for comfort, fit, and appearance. By understanding the different types of wigs available and prioritising your personal needs, you can find a wig that not only looks natural but also feels comfortable and boosts your confidence. Remember to seek professional advice and support throughout your journey. At Tymeless Necessity Hair, we can help you make an informed decision that enhances your well-being and quality of life.
So, if you’re suffering from medically induced hair loss and considering a wig, why not give Tymeless Necessity Hair a call? Embrace the change, enjoy the versatility, and say hello to beautiful hair.
Book your FREE consultation by WhatsApping us at 072 438 7617.
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TYMELESS NECESSITY HAIR IS A PROUD PARTNER OF CANSA
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